A small town and its residents have been ripped off in a big way. KCCI's Ryan Smith uncovered a state report that details more than 80- thousand dollars misspent by a long-serving city clerk in Menlo. Welcome to Menlo, Iowa. A place where folks respect religion and the land. But masked underneath this quant country setting, is a big scandal that rocked a small town. 7.12 "HONEST PEOPLE?" "MOST OF THE TIME... YOU GOT A FEW HERE AND THERE THAT ARE SHIFTY." Around here, mention the name Brenda Simmons - and you're sure to get an unpleasant reaction. "IT MAKES ME ANGRY. JUST HEARING HER NAME BECAUSE SHE'S MESSED UP A LOT OF THINGS FOR OUR COMMUNITY." KCCI obtained a report on Menlo's finances issued by the state auditor's office. It details years of improper spending by former city clerk Brenda Simmons. The report states - in 12 years - Simmons misspent 82- thousand taxpayer dollars. Including 12- thousand to pad her own paycheck. 62-thousand dollars of payments made to add her husband to the town-funded health insurance plan. "SHE TOOK A LOT OF MONEY FROM THE PEOPLE OF MENLOW." "THERE'S NO WAY ANYBODY ELSE WOULD HAVE KNOWN, EXCEPT FOR HER. I NEVER SAW THE BOOKS. SHE SAW THE BOOKS." From this office - Simmons was the only official writing and signing checks. Soon - every check written will require two signatures - to ensure greater accountability within the city clerk's office. Too little, too late says Trisha Kirkpatrick - who says the small-town scandal jeopardized the city's ability to pay for a much-needed park. "IF THE MONEY WAS THERE, THEY COULD HAVE USED IT, THE PLAYGROUND WOULD PROBABLY BE IN RIGHT NOW. I MEAN IT'S BEEN GONE FOR ABOUT A YEAR NOW. SO, HAVING THAT MONEY THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN AVAILABLE AND BE ABLE TO BE AFFORDED QUICKLY." We attempted to reach Simmons for comment... But city officials tell me she moved out of the area after stepping down as city clerk last year. Ryan - does she face any criminal charges? The report was sent to DCI and the attorney general's office. The guthrie county attorney tells me charges are likely but a few more things need to happen: an interview with simmons and witness statements. For now, it's up to DCI or the sheriff's office to make that happen.